The colony of Demerara-Essequibo was created on 13 August 1814 when the British combined the colonies of Demerara and Essequibo. On 20 November 1815 the colony was formally ceded to Britain by the Netherlands.

The colony continued to use Dutch denominations of currency even though under British control. The issued coins ranging from 3 bits up to 3 Guilder. These coins were minted with the colonies name on it, and were minted from 1809 to 1835.

On 21 July 1831 Demerara-Essequibo united with Berbice as British Guiana.